On demand learning

ABSTRACT

A learning solution context is specified in terms of formal and informal learning within zones of interaction. Solution components of purpose/outcome, measurement, technology/infrastructure, resources, and process are specified and selected to align each to the solution context providing an optimal learning solution for a particular client.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to application Ser. No. 10/729,747 Entitled“BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE TOOL AND METHOD” which is co-owned by thesame assignee, filed on the same date, and is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to learning systems and particularly tomethods and systems for defining a specific learning solution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The development and delivery of learning solutions has become animportant component of the services industry. Services companies providelearning solutions to individuals as well as other companies andeducational institutions. For example, a company may be required by somelegislation to train its employees in some specific subject matterrelated to the safe operation of various manufacturing or environmentalprocesses. Or an organization may have installed new software for somebusiness process and needs to train employees in its use within theorganization. Many other training needs develop and organizations arelooking to service providers to fulfill these needs rather than usetheir own in-house education departments as the sole provider.

Sketch, in patent application US2002/0077884, describes providinglearning solutions for eliminating functional competency gaps. An onlinesystem is used to assess the level of functional competency and identifyat least one gap between the assessed level and a predefined requiredcompetency for an employment function. At least one learning solution isidentified that is in accordance with a preferred method of learning.

Harkey, in patent application US2002/0087346, describes forming alearning network that includes competencies as well as learning objectsand knowledge objects. The nodes forming the network are linked in aparticular pattern for each user accessing the network to provideimproved response. Data retrieval utilities access external informationsources to continuously create new nodes. A query agent accesses acompetency node and associated linked knowledge and learning nodes inresponse to a user query. Each time a user submits a new query arelational table forming the dynamic interconnection of nodes isupdated.

Haruhiko et al. in Japanese patent JP2003084653A describe in theirabstract a system for supporting cooperative learning. When the systemreceives a request from a learner client, it specifies the present levelof learning and the role of the learner.

In spite of the aforementioned developments there remains a greatcomplexity in the development of learning solutions. In particular, theintroduction of newly developed technologies for various new modes oflearning has broadened the choices available. Any systematic method ofdealing with this great complexity of learning solutions, it is felt,would constitute a significant advancement in the art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to enhancethe learning solution art by providing a process for defining a learningsolution with enhanced capabilities.

It is another object to provide a system for defining a learningsolution wherein enhanced operational capabilities are possible.

It is a further object to provide a computer program product withenhanced capability for defining a learning solution.

It is yet another object to provide an enhanced method to operationalizea learning solution across the complexity of solution elementsavailable.

These and other objects are attained in accordance with one embodimentof the invention wherein there is provided a process for defining alearning solution, comprising the steps of providing a learning solutioncontext, and aligning a plurality of solution components to the solutioncontext.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provideda system for defining a learning solution, comprising a computerprocessor, program means on the processor for providing a learningsolution context, and program means on the processor for aligning aplurality of solution components to the solution context.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention there isprovided a computer program product for instructing a processor todefine a learning solution, the computer program product comprising acomputer readable medium, first program instruction means for providinga learning solution context, and second program instruction means foraligning a plurality of solution components to the solution context, andwherein both the program instruction means are recorded on the medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE depicts aligning supporting elements to a learning solutioncontext in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention together with otherand further objects, advantages, and capabilities thereof, reference ismade to the following disclosure and the appended claims in connectionwith the above-described drawings.

In the FIGURE there is shown learning solution context 12. The contextis provided as a circular diagram defined in related application“BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE TOOL AND METHOD.” As shown in the FIGUREthe circular diagram appears as a disc tipped backward in a threedimensional diagram. A learning solution context for a specific clienthas specific radial width for zones and inner and outer circular areasrepresenting the relative amount of formal and informal learningrespectively or vice versa in each of the zones. Reference is made toFIG. 1 of the related application.

Solution components 14-22 are shown as stacked cylinders positionedbelow learning solution context 12. Solution components 14-22 aregenerally the methods, technologies, and processes which will be used tooperationalize or deliver on that learning solution depicted in aspecific context 12. That is the solution components enable the solutioncontext to be realized. However, the content of each component must bedefined to align with context 12, as will be explained later.

Purpose/Outcomes solution component 14 includes defining a business ororganizational purpose and desired outcome of the specific learningsolution. For example, the business or organizational purpose mayinclude increasing sales, decreasing errors, quality improvement,implementing a new business or manufacturing process or new businesstools, increasing scores on standardized tests, or increasing GEDgraduates among some identified group, e.g. incarcerated individuals.Desired outcomes may include employee compliance with regulations,certification in a profession, ability to perform new procedures, orcompleting course requirements for a degree program, e.g. Bachelor ofScience.

Measurements solution component 16 includes methodologies for measuringlearning effectiveness. Return on investment calculations for learnerperformance may be specified. Other business measurements such as breakeven point calculations may also be selected. Other measurements may beused including an assessment of learner attitude toward a learningexperience, learner acquisition of requisite knowledge and skills asdefined by learning objectives, or application of acquired knowledge andskills in job performance of targeted tasks.

Technology infrastructure component 18 may involve use of new or updatedtechnology modes involving online and internet based learning techniquesand modes. Use of networks, hardware, and software to provide access anddelivery of learning experiences may be specified.

Resources solution component 20 are required to support the learningsolution and may include identifying, selecting, or adapting sourcematerial from content and curriculum publishers. Resources may alsoinclude scheduling space and equipment, assigning trainers, locatingmentors, or obtaining licenses to use software.

Process solution component 22 may include defining and implementingprocesses supporting formal and informal learning such as new governancecommittees and procedures, incentives to encourage new behaviors, orresponsibilities for updates.

Each of the solution components 14-22 is configured to align thatcomponent with specific learning solution context 12. By way of example,if a zone of context 12 has a high informal learning content, then abusiness measurement of measurement component 16 developed in the pastfor formal learning may have to be removed, de-emphasized, or modified.A new measurement geared to informal learning may have to be selected ordeveloped in measurement component 16.

Similar specifications or selections are made in each component tocreate a relationship within the component corresponding to therelationships within context 12. In some cases an inverse relationshipis appropriate such as a decrease in a resource highly linked to formallearning if a respective zone of context 12 shows a high informalcontent.

Following through on the above process for each component creates analignment of all of the components to the specific context 12 creatingan optimal learning solution.

It may also be pointed out that in a reverse manner the availability ofparticular elements within a component may also be used in developingspecific learning solution context 12.

While there have been shown and described what are at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modification may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

1. A process for defining a learning solution, comprising the steps of:providing a learning solution context; and aligning a plurality ofsolution components to said solution context.
 2. The process of claim 1,wherein said learning solution context is provided as a circular diagramhaving zones and an inner circular area defining a ratio of formal toinformal learning.
 3. The process of claim 2, wherein said zonesrepresent types of interaction.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein saidsolution components comprise purpose/outcomes, measurement,technology/infrastructure, resources, and process.
 5. The process ofclaim 4, wherein said purpose is a business purpose comprisingincreasing sales, decreasing errors, or implementing new businessprocesses.
 6. The process of claim 4, wherein said outcomes comprisesemployee compliance with regulations, certification in a profession, orperforming new procedures.
 7. The process of claim 4, wherein saidmeasurement includes calculating a return on investment for learnerperformance.
 8. The process of claim 4, wherein saidtechnology/infrastructure includes network, hardware, and software, foraccess and delivery of learning experiences.
 9. The process of claim 4,wherein said resources comprises processes for adapting source materialfrom content and curriculum publishers, scheduling space and equipment,assigning trainers, locating mentors, or licensing software.
 10. Theprocess of claim 4, wherein said process comprises new governancecommittees, incentives to encourage new behaviors, or responsibilitiesfor updates.
 11. A system for defining a learning solution, comprising:a computer processor; program means on said processor for providing alearning solution context; and program means on said processor foraligning a plurality of solution components to said solution context.12. The system of claim 11, wherein said learning solution context isprovided as a circular diagram having zones and an inner circular areadefining a ratio of formal to informal learning.
 13. The system of claim12, wherein said zones represent types of interaction.
 14. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said solution components comprise purpose/outcomes,measurement, technology/infrastructure, resources, and process.
 15. Acomputer program product for instructing a processor to define alearning solution, said computer program product comprising: a computerreadable medium; first program instruction means for providing alearning solution context; and second program instruction means foraligning a plurality of solution components to said solution context;and wherein both said program instruction means are recorded on saidmedium.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein saidlearning solution context is provided as a circular diagram having zonesand an inner circular area defining a ratio of formal to informallearning.
 17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein saidzones represent types of interaction.
 18. The computer program productof claim 15, wherein said solution components comprise purpose/outcomes,measurements, technology/infrastructure, resources, and process.